Tyler Griffey needed those two dagger threes. He was great in Maui -- all six games this season, really -- but he still needed a moment. It's his senior year, and the first three years certainly didn't go as he had planned. Now, in his final go around, it couldn't be going better. Those two back-to-back dagger three pointers were The Moment in this game. From a scary 7 point lead to a solid 13 point lead in what seemed like 15 seconds. Attaboy, Tyler.

DJ Richardson needed this Maui win. He was Big Ten Freshman of the Year three years ago, and then sophomore struggles and more junior struggles. By the middle part of last year, he appeared to be so broken that most of us thought he'd never return. Tonight? He's back. 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and two beautiful baseline drives at key moments in the game that told the world "yes, I'm more than just a three point shooter".

Yes, "the world". It's the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, and millions of people are out and about. Most of them at bars. With flatscreen TV's. Showing ESPN. From Charlotte to Spokane, bros are leaning over to their bros at the bar and saying "hey man, Illinois looks pretty good."

I'VE BEEN CHECKING OUT OTHER BIG TEN TEAMS AND I THINK WE BELONG RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS DOGFIGHT OF THE BIG TEN TITLE CHASE BUT WHEN THE BIG TEN SEASON STARTS IF WE PROTECT HOME AND GET A FEW ON THE ROAD ARE RIGHT THERE GO ILLINI

The win was a major validation for new coach John Groce, who led Ohio to the Sweet 16 last season and has brought his trademark aggressive offensive and defensive schemes to Champaign this year. The team looks completely transformed from Bruce Weber’s last few underperforming squads.

Would like to have landed DJ Jackson or XRM, but TA's improvement at PG is making it look like the PG position will be in more than capable hands in 2013-14 and 2014-15. It's no longer a big worry, especially if JT or KN can give us quality backup mins there next year.

I remember many on here and on many other boards saying let these boys run and play to there strenghts. Guess what??? John Groce system is perfect for this team. Mike Thomas please get that checkbook hell give him part of Beckman pay!!!!

Would like to have landed DJ Jackson or XRM, but TA's improvement at PG is making it look like the PG position will be in more than capable hands in 2013-14 and 2014-15. It's no longer a big worry, especially if JT or KN can give us quality backup mins there next year.

I think TA will be able to run the system serviceably but honestly if we have a true PG who could break his man down at will, this system with the type of athletes we already get, could be a seismic shift in the B1G.

I didn't want to poo poo too much since we are feeling the love and basking, but there about a billion times where the ball handler could have slipped a pass when the screener rolled to the lane, that would have resulted in either

- a layup / dunk attempt
- a kickout to the weakside for an open 3

We have good court vision and good enough passing but if we had a real true PG this team as composed right now and moving forward with the incoming 2013s could make A LOT of noise in the B1G.

We'll still see JG comb thru 2014 for a difference making PG. If he can't get one then maybe another combo like LA. But you gotta believe if we can get a True PG, the Orange Krush will be blowing the roof off AH in 2014-2015.

I really felt that under Coach Groce these kids would blossom and posted such sentiments before the season. I thought there was talent and it just hadn't come to the surface for "some" reason. I also had noted I thought Abrams would be just fine at the point, and don't mind patting myself on the back about that one. However, I never saw DJ being able to make the leap from designated shooter to a complete player and never thought Griffey would do what he is doing. I think all props have to go to Groce and staff for instilling confidence in these kids and bringing them back to life. As has been noted by many, this is as much fun watching an Illini team I have had in some time. Let's enjoy the ride!

I think TA will be able to run the system serviceably but honestly if we have a true PG who could break his man down at will, this system with the type of athletes we already get, could be a seismic shift in the B1G.

I didn't want to poo poo too much since we are feeling the love and basking, but there about a billion times where the ball handler could have slipped a pass when the screener rolled to the lane, that would have resulted in either

- a layup / dunk attempt
- a kickout to the weakside for an open 3

I agree. Abrams appears to be a tough PG who isn't going to hurt us: more than I expected. But he isn't a natural at driving and dishing. Even on Griffey's first of two threes, Tyler was standing at the arc wide open for far too long before Abrams finally fumbled a pass in his direction.

Is Abram's ankle okay? He was hobbling a bit and I thought "oh no." We have had enough problems with ankles.

I stayed up for the other two games but fell asleep for this one. Tell me how that happens Luckily, I was able to watch due to the magic that is DVR. Even though I got a late start, it was awesome!

The best part about this game was we did not appear to be as sharp as the previous two games, and we still won by 17 while facing our toughest competition. JG must have urged getting to the line during halftime, because we only had 4 free shots before the half, and somewhere around 3 times that after halftime. What a terrific start to the season. No matter what happens the rest of the way, this is something no one can take away from our seniors.

Q. This is your first year at Illinois. Are you surprised at how well things have worked out so far?

John Groce: Obviously do you envision sitting at 6 0? I'm a little different. These guys will tell you. I focus on practice every day. At least I hope they'll tell you we come to practice ready to go every day. We try to get better every day and let the results take care of themselves. We don't get caught up in necessarily thinking two games ahead or a game ahead.

Obviously, it's a great start, and I'm happy for these guys. These guys have been through a lot, especially the seniors, Tyler and Brandon and D.J.; and Sam has been a tremendous addition to our class of seniors as well. So I'm happy for those guys. Really happy for Illini Nation. I had no idea we had sold that many. It was unbelievable the turnout that we had. Tremendous support from our fans, so we're blessed and thankful for that as well.